Maharashtra MLA's Dramatic Protest Highlights Reservation Tensions

Maharashtra Deputy Speaker Narhari Jhirwal of NCP's Ajit Pawar faction made headlines by jumping from Mantralaya's third floor in a protest over Dhangar community reservations. Although safety measures prevented injury, the incident underscores growing tensions as tribal MLAs and Dhangar community members demand Scheduled Tribe reservation recognition in the state.

In a startling incident on Friday, Narhari Jhirwal, an MLA from the Nationalist Congress Party's Ajit Pawar faction and the Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly, staged a dramatic protest by jumping off the third floor of the Mantralaya, the crucial administrative hub in Mumbai. Fortunately, Jhirwal was unharmed as he landed on a safety net.

Jhirwal has been a notable opponent of allocating the Scheduled Tribe quota for the Dhangar community. Video footage of the incident captured Jhirwal and three others making their way back into the building after their fall was cushioned by the safety net, also showing police personnel at the scene.

On the same day, Maharashtra's tribal community MLAs staged a demonstration within the Mantralaya, coinciding with a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Attendees included Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar among other officials. The Dhangar community, categorized under the OBC, intensified protests in Pandharpur, arguing for Scheduled Tribe status as the Dhangad community, which is listed in the Constitution.

(With inputs from agencies.)